Ultrasound

Imaging Associates offers state-of-the art Ultrasound scan services, providing accessible high-quality imaging to patients located in Melbourne, Gippsland and Wagga Wagga.

What is an Ultrasound?

An Ultrasound scan is an imaging technique using sound waves transmitted from a handheld transducer, which can image most body parts.

We have invested strongly in the best ultrasound imaging equipment and scanners to allow enhanced detail and better depiction of any abnormality. Our sonographers are constantly updating their ultrasound skills and are strongly committed to education and training.

Ultrasound relies heavily on the expertise of the sonographer and most sonographers begin life as a radiographer, undergoing years of specialist training. Newer techniques involve using doppler physics that can detect direction of movement, which is used for imaging blood vessels and inflammation. We can ‘hear’ blood flow and heart beats. However, ultrasound scans can’t image the lungs or see inside bone.

What happens during an Ultrasound scan?

Depending on the area scanned and the complexity of the study, your appointment will vary in time from 15-45 mins. The area being studied will need to be uncovered and reasonable pressure applied to the transducer to see inside. The sonographer will need to be reasonably close to you. Should you have any concerns regarding any of the above please let us know prior to your appointment.

A general ultrasound scan examines different organs or muscles, and can include Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound imaging of the shoulder and knee. This Ultrasound requires the handheld transducer (probe) to make contact with your skin, so you will be required to make the area of investigation accessible. At times this may require you to change into a gown.

What are the primary uses and applications of an Ultrasound?

Imaging Associates offers a range of Ultrasound services tailored to a wide variety of medical conditions, including:

• General abdominal, pelvic, breast, renal and thyroid ultrasounds.
• Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasounds to assess acute and chronic conditions including tendon, muscle or ligament injuries, joint abnormalities and other underlying conditions.
• Gynaecological ultrasounds to assist in the diagnosis of female gynaecological conditions such as painful, heavy or irregular periods, ovarian cysts and endometriosis.
• Pregnancy (Obstetric) ultrasounds, including 3D/4D ultrasounds for monitoring foetal development and morphology throughout your pregnancy. Both an Obstetric or Gynaecological ultrasound scan requires the transducer (probe) to make contact with the skin. This means that you may need to change into a gown to make the area of investigation accessible. In some gynaecological or obstetric examinations, an internal examination may be required, which involves a specially-designed probe being inserted into the vagina. The sonographer will discuss this with you if required and only proceed with your informed consent.
• Ultrasounds are also highly effective to guide Pain Relief Injections and for taking specimen samples for tissue analysis known as either a Biopsy or Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)

Specialised Ultrasound Services:

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

• We offer ultrasound screening for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), performed as early as six weeks of age. Our sonographers have extensive experience in paediatric hip ultrasound and screening for DDH, with same-day service reflecting the needs of the child, their parents, and the referring clinician.

Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound

• A Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound scan obtains images at the 11+3 to 13+6 week stage of a baby’s development. All babies have a thin layer of fluid at the back of the neck, and research has shown that an increase in the amount of fluid can correlate to an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Trisomy 21 (Down’s Syndrome).
• During this examination, the sonographer will confirm that you are pregnant, detect your baby’s heartbeat, determine single or multiple pregnancies, examine the baby for major defects, confirm a due date and try to take a picture of the baby for you to take home. In a small number of cases, an internal examination may be required. This involves a specially designed probe being inserted into the vagina. The sonographer will discuss this with you if required and only proceed with your informed consent.

Where can I get an Ultrasound near me?

Book an Ultrasound by completing our booking form or calling your nearest Imaging Associates radiology clinic now. Ultrasound services are available at all Imaging Associates clinics located across Melbourne and Gippsland VIC, and Wagga Wagga NSW.

• Melbourne VIC – Boronia, Box Hill, Camberwell, Mitcham, Narre Warren, Rowville, Tecoma
• Gippsland VIC – Drouin, Warragul, Wonthaggi
• Wagga Wagga NSW – Edward Street, Docker Street

Imaging Associates accepts all medical imaging referrals, even if written or printed on another radiology company’s request form.

Book an appointment

---

What do you need to know about your Ultrasound appointment?

What do we need to know?